WI_Angler1989

I've used the Kalin's Spot Stalker jigs a lot the last couple seasons. They've got a wire weed guard, a swim jig-esque head, and a flat standup bottom. 1/8th and 1/16th oz.

I have both. A 6' 6" Medium Fast St Croix Avid, and a 6' 10" ML XF St Croix Legend Tournament Bass. Both are great and versatile. The XF makes for a stouter rod than it would be otherwise.

There TONS of other guys on here who will have more/better advice than me, but it's hard to beat Wi Smallies! You're options are nearly endless: Lake Michigan Door County of you want big water. Long Lake in Chippewa Co is pretty decent size and has awesome fishing. Most of the Rivers I fish are full of them too. The Flambeau (my fave), The Chippewa (my home h2o), Eagle River, The Mississippi... All game fish can be found there. Just research a stretch and find launches and go! One of my fave things to do is head up north (Forest, Marrianette, Oneida counties) and fish lesser known, smaller, clear waters for smallies, pike, musky, walleye, everything! Its tough to beat the scenery and less pressured fishing. We hit a small Forest County lake with little weedless tubes and I swear... those bass slammed them like they'd never seen a soft plastic before. It was insane!

I frequently catch big bass (for my area) on a #1 Mepps inline spinner. Not sure if you're familiar, but that's a pretty small lure. You'll never know till you try it, man!

Will do! That was my reasoning as well - just getting wet is getting old.

Well, @A-Jay, I order me a nice new Huk packable rain jacket. Thanks for the heads up on the sale!

I've used it as a main line for a couple years now on some of my reels and have enjoyed it a lot. May have to try it as a leader too. I also fish a lot of rocky waters.

Question for you, what is the benefit to using hybrid as leader? I've seen you mention a lot that you use Yo-Zuri Hybrid as a leader frequently. Just wondering the benefit over the other 2.

I don't have the right app/tool/media to make my Galaxy's pics load.... BUT.... last weekend I found some Yo-Zuri 3DB poppers in Bone and Bluegill for 4.99$ at my local Scheels! That's a great deal for anywhere, but 50% off there. Now I'm gonna buy a few more Yo-zuri topwater cause of the detail and quality ???

Fair enough and I can see the thought process. Tactical Bassin has made some intriguing videos about cupped and ribbed walking lures. Long story short: a combination of the subtle walk-the-dog motion and the shorter movements from ribs/cup equates to more time in the strike zone for spawning and/or cold water bass that are less willing to chase a bait. Personally, I'm just interested because of the quality and the color selections!

Thanks for all the responses so far, guys. I came into a Gander Outdoors gift card that I plan to use on a couple Yo-Zuri baits... Just waiting for some more color options to get out up!!

I have no idea if I want that type of sound ?

I've never used one of Yo-Zuri's hardbaits. The price point is quite affordable compared to others, yet the quality and aesthetics seem very high end! What are your thoughts on this particular topwater walking lure? I have something of a love affair with the Super Spook Jr, based soley on the success I've had with it. That being said, I'm a sucker for new tackle (aren't we all?!) and would like to give them shot if they're well recommended! I really like the cupped face, slight curve to the body, and the color selections. I mainly fish for Smallmouth in clear, shallow rivers and frequently catch Pike and Largemouth. Any input on the lure, favorite colors, seasonal patterns, etc are much appreciated.

They've been popping up a lot for me lately. Considering they're such a small store with NO online ordering thats super impressive. I love finding small hand dipped tubes from small companies for my river smallmouth; but most of the time they don't fit on my Cadman's Smallie Slider jigs. When one does though.... customer for life!

You definitely don't want to see my tackle... ?

I always take my Esee Izula 2, Rapala Fisherman's split ring pliers, and Berkley Forceps. I didn't get the blade for fishing specifically, but it's perfect for the application: small, razor sharp, cuts braid easily.

It says on the packaging not to mix their Zman baits with other plastics too.

How good was the sale??

Well then, I could just buy the colors that attract ME. Thanks for the input all! Natural, bold, black. The usual suspects.

Nice! The sad part is that I've had all the tackle to do the 4 that I want to improve on. I've just continually fallen back into those same old go-to's.

I plan to dedicate a lot of time this year to learning, improving and gaining confidence in: 1) Dropshot 2) Ned Rig 3) Soft Jerkbaits 4) Wacky Rig Half the battle with the above presentations is just USING them more. I've dabbled, but never put enough time in. But I'd say the biggest thing I want to improve on isn't a lure, but canoe tactics. I need to improve in navigating the river, finding opportune places to fish, and to do it all safely.

Hello again! What's everyone's preference on Wacky Rig colors for smallmouth? I fish fairly clear water with a slight tannic amber tint to it. Decent sized rivers, lots of current, lots of little eddies, etc. The visibility is really good overall. Is my best bet to go with matching the forage? Simple and natural? Or go bold. I'm always hearing on the forums that the smallies like bold, bright colors too...

One of my biggest goals this coming season is to fish the situations as they come. To take my "favorite" presentations, small tubes, craws, grubs, Aglias... and branch out to what the day calls for and the fish want. Not what I like or enjoy. Sure, there are the times when the go-to's are all I would even need. Theres a reason I have my favorites after all: they work. And can work AMAZINGLY. Typically I have memories of great days where it's been insane attatched to my favorite lures! Smallie after Smallie caught, making whatever lure did the deed feel pretty validated lol. Obviously I can get married to a presentation because of those wonderful outings. I need to grow and learn to fit the technique and presentation to the situation on the water THAT day. Not have my favorite on the forefront; not get stuck wanting them to hit topwater; not using my best color, despite clarity because "it worked last time".

Nice! I've heard a lot about the Chilie Willie baits especially. A lot of channels that fish the Susquehanna use the in cold months. I'll check out that show too.

@Dreveal thank you for the info. I had no idea the River Darters used to be a Winco plastic! I've seen numerous videos and articles featuring Al's products that show how deadly they are. It makes me curious about the baits knowing that FITT is the new owner. Has quality changed? Plastic blend? I guess there's no way for me to know, since I've never used the originals.